AFCM conference scheduled for Bali The Asian Federation of Cement Manufacturers (AFCM) will hold its 17th AFCM Technical Symposium & Exhibition, organized by the Indonesia Cement Association in Bali June 5-9, 2000. The theme of the symposium will be "Approaches to Plant Modernization in the New Millennium."

To submit a paper or for more information, contact the Symposium Coordinator, AFCM 17th Technical Symposium:

c/o Asosiasi Semen Indonesia

Graha Irama, 11th Fl.

Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said Blok X-1 Kav. 1 & 2

Jakarta, 12950, Indonesia

telephone: (+62) 021-526-1105

fax: (+62) 021-526-1107

Holderbank acquires plant in Azerbaidjan Holderbank Financiere Glaris Ltd. signed a contract to acquire 86% of the share capital of Garadagcement, Azerbaidjan's only cement producer, in a privatization scheme. The remaining shares are to be held by the plant's workforce.

The plant is located 35 km west of Baku, the capital, and close to the Caspian Sea. Currently, only one of the plant's wet kiln lines is in production. The country's cement consumption is approximately 1 million mtpy. With the acquisition of the majority stake, Holderbank has agreed to invest US$23 million over the next five years, depending on market conditions.

Due to the present government's economic policies and the country's large oil reserves, Azerbaidjan is gaining in importance for European and American investors. The renewed Garadagement expects to play a key role as demand for cement pushes higher with industrial and infrastructure expansion in Azerbaidjan.